He may have left the Newcastle United hotseat but Sir Bobby Robson can still pull in a crowd.

Thousands of fans, of all ages, patiently queued at Tesco's Kingston Park branch in Newcastle and WH Smith at Gateshead's MetroCentre for a double launch of his autobiography - Farewell But Not Goodbye.

Greeted by a round of applause, those who waited patiently were entertained by footballers practising their tricks.

The St James' Park favourite was originally due to sign copies for two hours but he went into overtime, staying an extra 90 minutes to send more people home happy.

Many queuing had three or four copies of the book which Sir Bobby dutifully signed while posing for photographs with young and old.

Amy Jobe, 82, from Byker, in Newcastle, had been waiting an-hour-and-a-half before getting her copy signed.

She said: "I think he has done an awful lot for Newcastle United. We love him.

"I bought the book for my son who lives in Canada. He worships him. He is a real Newcastle fan. I think Sir Bobby is a lovely man and a great gentleman."

Sandra Lowry, 59, from Westerhope, in Newcastle, had been waiting for 90 minutes and revealed her own special link with the club.

She said: "I am not really into football but my grandfather Alexander Mutch, known as Sandy, was a goalkeeper and groundsman in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. So I keep an eye on how Newcastle do."